contents, and, in spite of all the baron's rage and threats, his hands were rudely tied behind him, and he, with the other captives, was driven through the forest, most of the valuables being strapped on to two of the horses, whilst the bodies of the other two horses were dragged out of the road into the bushes and there left.

It was a sad sight to see the poor young lady driven before the robbers along the narrow path, and after they had gone a little way, it was so clear that she could hardly walk, that the captain desired two of the band to carry her, and in this way the whole party arrived at the old castle. They did not all enter at once, but whilst the captain and several of the band conducted the captives by the same way that Johnson had entered the castle, the others remained outside till they had taken the booty from the horses into the vaults below, and the poor animals were then taken round and slaughtered on the other side, so that their bodies might be thrown into the chasm, and no chance be left of discovery.

When he found himself within the castle walls, the old baron again began to abuse his captors violently, and asked who was their captain, who presumed to treat a man of his rank in that manner?

He was not long in receiving his answer, for Captain Blackcap stood forward and told him that, if he couldn't keep a civil tongue in his head, he would have it cut out in about another minute, and as his looks plainly showed that he was in earnest, the baron thought that he had better, upon the whole, remain silent.

He was dragged off, away from his daughter, to a separate room at some little distance from the robbers'

hall, and poor Rosalie, bathed in tears and reduced to the depths of despair, was placed in a small chamber up-stairs, the window of which looked out upon the chasm, which interposed on that side between the castle and the forest. Here she was left alone for a time to ponder upon her sad fate, and to think with bitter, but unavailing regret, upon her own foolish fancy, which had led her to persuade her father to take the shorter road through the forest, instead of the longer but safer route through the open plain. If she could but have lived the last few days over again, how differently she would have acted! But, unfortunately, people never can live days over again, however much and however often they may desire to do so, and Rosalie had therefore nothing for it but to make the best of a bad business.

She walked to the window and looked out. It was a lovely evening; the red rays of the setting sun were tinging with fiery gold the green boughs of the forest trees, and the soft south wind fanned her cheek as she sorrowfully gazed upon the peaceful face of Nature, which seemed to contrast so strangely with the sorrow and fear which were distracting her young heart. She was aroused from her occupation by the sudden entrance of no less a personage than old Mother Jack, who came to bring her some food, and perhaps also for the purpose of having a good stare at the young baroness. The sight, however, of one of her own sex inspired Rosalie with hope, and she turned at once to the old woman, and addressed her in tearful accents.

'Oh, where is my dear father? Why have they taken him away from me, and where are we? Pray, pray tell me, and help us if you can!'

'Hoity-toity,' replied the old woman with a laugh, I'll tell ye where you are fast enough, my dainty damsel! You're in the robbers' castle, and there you're likely to be, as far as I know, till the captain makes up his mind what is to be done with you. And as for the old gentleman, he's safe enough, I'll warrant you! safe till he pays up like a trump—gives his gold and saves his carcase-that's good robber-law, my girl, and you fine gentlefolks will know it soon enough.'

'Oh, do help us-cannot you help us to escape?' said the poor girl.

'Escape?' replied Mother Jack. 'Like enough you are to escape from a place like this, poor tender bird, and like enough I am to offend the robber-band by helping you. Why, they'd make mincemeat of me in no time. No, no, my fine lady, make up your mind about that, the sooner the better. Folks don't escape

here, I can tell ye.'

Poor Rosalie, thus repulsed, spoke no more to the old woman, but, when the latter had left the room, threw herself on the floor, and bitterly bewailed the sad fate which had befallen her. Not long, however, was she allowed to remain undisturbed, for hasty steps were heard ascending the stairs; her door was rudely thrown open, and two of the band appeared, who, taking her one by each arm, dragged her down to the room below, where sat the robber-band round a table, Captain Blackcap at their head, and the other prisoners standing bound before him.

'Here comes the girl,' said he as Rosalie was brought in. And now, my masters, to settle what is best to be done with the prisoners. Has any one a plan to propose?'